Minor Brain and Mind Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam - Onderwijscentrum VU - Minoren

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1 Minor Brain and Mind Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam - Onderwijscentrum VU - Minoren Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam - Onderwijscentrum VU - Minoren I

2 Inhoudsopgave Vak: Brain in Trouble (Periode 2) 1 Vak: Cognitive Neuroscience (Periode 1) 2 Vak: Mind and Machine (Periode 3) 3 Vak: Nature versus Nurture (Periode 1) 5 Vak: The Developing Brain (Periode 2) 6 Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam - Onderwijscentrum VU - Minoren II

3 Brain in Trouble Vakcode AB_1038 () Periode Periode 2 Voertaal dr. H.K.E. Vervaeke prof. dr. S. Spijker, dr. H.K.E. Vervaeke, prof. dr. T.P.G.M. de Vries Hoorcollege, Werkgroep, Computerpracticum Doel vak The goal of this course is to deepen understanding of the etiology, expression and treatment of (psychiatric) brain disorders, as well as models used in preclinical science. Students will be encouraged to critically analyze the impact of brain disorders on society. Learning outcomes: The student is able to explain the contribution of genetic and environmental factors to complex multifactorial diseases such as mental disorders. The student is able to elaborate on various treatment options for psychiatric disorders. The student is able to critically reflect on the boundaries between normal (healthy) and abnormal (ill) behavior and the implications for society. Inhoud vak The focus of this course is on the etiology of mental disorders, such as addiction, ADHD, obsessive-compulsive disorder, eating disorders and mood disorders, with special attention for the nature-nurture discussion. Various treatments options for these conditions, including the use of pharmacological agents, behavioral therapy and deep brain stimulation will be discussed. Students will be challenged to critically reflect on the boundaries between normality and abnormality and the implications for society. Theme first week: addiction and impulsivity What is addiction? Is addiction truly a brain disorder? Do genes play a role in addiction? How does society view illicit drug use and addiction? Are all drugs equally harmful? How to treat addiction? Is ADHD a real mental disorder, or a cultural construct used to bring deviant or socially undesirable behavior under medical surveillance and control? Is it a good idea to treat children who have been diagnosed ADHD, with psychostimulant medications? What is the role of pharmaceutical companies? Do sugar and food additives elicit hyperactive behavior? Are there any advantages in having ADHD? Theme second week: obsessive compulsive disorders, eating disorders and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam - Onderwijscentrum VU - Minoren Pagina 1 van 7

4 cognitive enhancement Can you treat OCD with Deep Brain Stimulation? Is our Western beauty ideal at the root of eating disorders? Is the individual to blame for being obese? Is it ethical to improve your mental performance by cognitive enhancers? Theme third week: mood disorders Is depression a real brain disorder or an inability of our culture to accept sadness as an integral part of life? Do genes play a role in the etiology of major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder? What is the efficacy of pharmacotherapy and behavioral therapy? What is the role of pharmaceutical companies? Is Electro Convulsive Therapy a valid treatment option? Onderwijsvorm Lectures (30 hours), computerpractical (2 hours), homework assignments (6 hours), class discussions (2 hours) Written exam (75%) and class discussions/assignments (25%), each at least grade 5.5. "Foundations Of Behavioral Neuroscience" by N.R. Carlson (Pearson Education (US)), 8th edition. Part of minor Brain and Mind Third course for the minor Topics in Biomedical Sciences Open to students from all educational backgrounds (e.g., exact, social, life and economic sciences) with an interest in the brain and mind. Central Academic Skill: Debating and discussing Cognitive Neuroscience Vakcode AB_1056 () Periode Periode 1 Voertaal dr. S. van der Sluis dr. S. van der Sluis Practicum, Computerpracticum, Werkgroep, Hoorcollege Doel vak Introduction to the field of cognitive neuroscience: understanding the biological mechanisms underlying cognitive processes such as learning and memory, discussing recent developments in the field with leading scientists, and acquiring knowledge on how the brain and cognitive abilities are measured. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam - Onderwijscentrum VU - Minoren Pagina 2 van 7

5 Inhoud vak In the kick-off of this Minor, you will learn the basics of cognitive neuroscience through a series of introductory lectures on brain function and (dysfunctional) cognitive behaviour. More specifically, we will teach you the structure and function of the major building blocks of the brain ranging from single cells to neuronal networks and from emotion to motor control. We combine workshops and keynote lectures to discuss recent advances in the field of learning and memory, sleep, cognition and consciousness. Finally, you will experience various technical approaches to measure the brain (e.g., MRI, EEG, histology) and cognitive behaviour in hands-on practicals. Onderwijsvorm Lectures 25 hours 44% 2.6 ECTS Workshops 16 hours 28% 1.7 ECTS Practicals 6 hours 11% 0.7 ECTS Keynote lectures 8 hours 14% 0.8 ECTS Quiz 2 hours 3% 0.2 ECTS Total 57 hours 100% 6.0 ECTS Written exam Krab et al Trends Genet 2008.pdf van Woerden Nat Neurosci 2007.pdf Han et al Science 2007.pdf Han et al Science 2009.pdf vdheuvel et al Brain 2009.pdf vdheuvel et al Psych Med 2011.pdf vdwerf et al BMC Neurosci 2010.pdf Diekelmann Nat Rev Neurosci 2010.pdf Tononi and Cirelli Sleep Med Rev 2006.pdf Foundations of Behavioral Neuroscience Carlson, Neil R. ISBN: (8th edition) Chapters: 2,3,5,6 ( ),7, and12. Open to students from all educational backgrounds (e.g., exact, social, life and economic sciences) with an interest in the brain and mind. Co-ordinators: Sophie van der Sluis and Christiaan de Kock. No special requirements to be met. Part of minor Brain and Mind. This minor course requires a minimum of 25 participants to take place. Mind and Machine Vakcode AB_1060 () Periode Periode 3 Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam - Onderwijscentrum VU - Minoren Pagina 3 van 7

6 Voertaal dr. L.N. Cornelisse dr. K. Linkenkaer Hansen, dr. L.N. Cornelisse Computerpracticum, Werkgroep, Hoorcollege Doel vak To provide students with a broad insight in the rapidly developing field of brain modelling, artificial intelligence, brain computer interfacing and machine learning. Specifically, at the end of the course the student should be able to: 1. Describe the state-of-the-art in brain modeling, AI and BCI. 2. Evaluate current status of AI science and technology to predict future developments. 3. Explain the meaning of key concepts treated in the course. For example, what is a "mind", what is "artificial intelligence" and its different subtypes, what is "machine learning", what is "singularity", what is the difference between "brain-computer" and "computer-brain" interfaces, 4. Give examples of where key concepts are already applied (services or products). 5. Explain the principle of simulating neural systems and give examples of the different levels of detail that such models may incorporate. 6. Explain why researchers work with models that differ in the levels of details. 7. Understand the principles, and practical implementation of BCI. 8. Explain the relationship between brain activity and EEG signals, and how an EEG measurement is performed. 9. Explain the rationale behind neurofeedback therapy. 10. Approach a high-tech company with interesting questions to learn about their technology and business case. 11. Improve an oral presentation of fellow students through constructive feedback. 12. Develop, present and defend a business proposal, i.e., an idea for a product or service that exploits state-of-the-art technological advances within the themes of the course, or advances that may be anticipated in the coming years. 13. Formulate opinion about the prospects of creating an artificial but intelligent brain. Inhoud vak People have always been fascinated with the idea to create intelligent robots or to integrate computers in the brain to manipulate or enhance its performance. In this course, the current status in creating an artificial brain is discussed. Students learn the theory behind integrating brains and computers, and experience hands-on how brain activity can control computers to write or play computer games. To investigate how close science has come to science fiction students work in groups to prepare a business proposal in which they describe a new commercial application of artificial intelligence or brain computer interfacing. The proposals are presented in a business pitch to a jury of (business) professionals to receive feedback for their final poster presentation. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam - Onderwijscentrum VU - Minoren Pagina 4 van 7

7 Onderwijsvorm Lectures 40 hrs Practicals 12 hrs Business project 60 hrs Exam 50% Business project 40% Discussion 10% Weighted average of exam and business project need to be 5.5 or higher to pass the course and cannot be compensated by the Discussion grade. To be decided Aanbevolen voorkennis Two years of study at bachelor s level. All students with an interest in the computational abilities of the brain Part of minor Brain and Mind. This minor course requires a minimum of 25 participants to take place. Central Academic Skills: Think out of the box: imagination may push basic science into applications and create business opportunities. Nature versus Nurture Vakcode AB_1057 () Periode Periode 1 Voertaal dr. J.C. Polderman dr. P. van Nierop, dr. J.C. Polderman Practicum, Computerpracticum, Werkgroep, Hoorcollege Doel vak Students learn how individual differences in human complex behavior can be explained. Inhoud vak Human traits show considerable individual differences, which are due to differences in the individual s genes and/or the environment. In the Nature vs. Nurture course the influence of genes and the environment on human behavior will be discussed. Empirical evidence based on experiments with human subjects will guide these discussions. During the course many important topics from modern day society will be discussed, such as the influence of violent gaming on juvenile behavior, the role Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam - Onderwijscentrum VU - Minoren Pagina 5 van 7

8 of parents in personality development of children, and the causes of mental disorders. The genetic information contained in our DNA, represents the nature component that influences human behavior. An important aspect of the course is to show how research on genetic information is conducted. Students are introduced to various molecular biological techniques used to studie the genome, such as DNA collection, isolation, and genotyping, and (statistical) methods to link variation in DNA to variation in behavior. The ultimate goal of this course is to understand the nature and nurture causes of individual differences in human cognitive, social and economic behavior, and to be able to critically evaluate the ongoing nature-nurture debate. Onderwijsvorm practicals, lectures, debates, workshop Participation in debate sessions (-0.5 or +0.5 on final grade) and written exam (max. 9.5 grade) scientific papers TBA June 2013 Aanbevolen voorkennis Some biological background is recommended. Students without this background will get extra basic literature on neuroscience and genetics, and personal help if needed to acquire these basics. Third year students of any background Guest lecturers: Prof. Dr. Doreleijers (VUmc) MSc van Doesum (VU) Dr. Lewis (York University, UK) Prof. Dr. De Knijff (Leiden University) Prof. Dr. Konijn (VU) Prof. Dr. Van Straalen (VU) Prof. Dr. Posthuma (VU) The Developing Brain Vakcode AB_1059 () Periode Periode 2 Voertaal dr. H.K.E. Vervaeke prof. dr. S. Spijker, dr. R.E. van Kesteren, dr. H.K.E. Vervaeke Practicum, Computerpracticum, Werkgroep, Hoorcollege Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam - Onderwijscentrum VU - Minoren Pagina 6 van 7

9 Doel vak This course has the purpose to discuss the various stages of brain development that shape the life of individuals over time. Inhoud vak The brain performs differently at various ages; the young brain being very plastic, whereas the aging brain is gradually losing its adaptive capacity. At the same time the growing brain can be affected by developmental diseases and is prone to specific environmental factors, whereas aging diseases easily disturb the adult brain. In this course we will discuss pre- and postnatal brain development. We will focus both on early development in relation to diseases as autism and schizophrenia, as well as on puberty and adolescence, and issues related to this stage of development, such as the effects on the brain of early drug use (alcohol, nicotine). In the aging brain, we will discuss specific diseases of aging, such as progeria and Alzheimer s, considering the factors that determine lifespan. Onderwijsvorm Lectures (36 hours), Computer Practical Databasing (2 hours) Exam (multiple choice questions and open ended questions): 100% "Foundations Of Behavioral Neuroscience" by N.R. Carlson (Pearson Education (US)), 8th edition. Students of the minor Brain & Mind. This minor course requires a minimum of 25 participants to take place. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam - Onderwijscentrum VU - Minoren Pagina 7 van 7